​Using DWELL during COVID-19

​As we’ve connected with DWELL leaders across the continent one thing is for sure: no two churches look the same right now. In considering how to resource our DWELL churches our goal is to help churches adapt to a variety of situations.

DWELL Flex: simple multi-age, multi-setting sessions. 

DWELL Flex was created specifically for the challenges and changes many churches faced during COVID-19. DWELL Flex is...flexible! The Old and New Testament sessions work with a wide range of ages and in a wide variety of settings, including:

• At Church - If lower attendance requires you to combine into a multi-age class.
• At Home - Send these easy lessons for families to do at home.
• By Video - Whether pre-recorded or live via Zoom.

DWELL Flex is included at no extra cost to churches with a DWELL Digital subscription. Subscriptions start at only $150 per year per church. For details and information about how to sign up, see our DWELL Digital page.

Check out our Welcome to DWELL Flex page for more information. You can also check out a sample or view the full sessions via DWELL Digital (subscription required).

Guide for Adapting Any DWELL Session 

Our FREE Guide for Adapting Any DWELL Session follows the same simple outline as the DWELL Flex sessions and will help leaders adapt any other DWELL session to their particular situation. If you’re looking to continue your age-specific DWELL groups, moving through the DWELL years in proper sequence, this resource will help you adapt any DWELL session to fit your church’s needs. Adapted lessons can be used to record and send video sessions to parents, create simple session plans parents can use to tell God’s Big Story at home, or to lead children through a DWELL session in person.

Using DWELL During Worship and With Families

We’ve also developed the following list of ideas for churches who don't have any programs for children outside of the worship service:

• Tips for using DWELL to lead a children’s message. Did you know DWELL stories make a really great children’s message? Use these 5 Terrific Tips for Telling God's Story with Children During Online Worship to turn any DWELL session into a simple children’s message.
• Suggestions for family faith formation. Check out A Wonderful Way to Help Families Form Faith at Home This Fall, for details on making your own DWELL at Home gift bags for families.

​Expanded DWELL Digital permissions

We’ve temporarily expanded our DWELL Digital permissions to allow parents to view session plans, activities, printable pages, and more. 

• DWELL coordinators are able to give parents access to DWELL Digital by adding them as “Teachers.” 
• DWELL coordinators and teachers are permitted to email parents the DWELL Digital PDFs during this time.

For more information on these expanded permissions, see this Network post: DWELL Digital During COVID-19.